How do you clean your Tracker?

[vandamit]

I've done mine using a product called Aluminex. I basically just used a spray bottle and then rinsed off. It works okay at best. I mean It will get the stuff off, it's acid based I'm sure. But it runs and leaves streaks etc. Not sure if anyone has used this or a combo of this and something else? What is everyone using? Here are some pictures where you can see where I ran out of the stuff and the difference it makes and also the streaks or spots that are hard to get because of the nature of the product application.




Before picture:







After picture using a spray bottle and a car wash

[gatorglenn]

Looks good. But with anything, practice makes perfect. Meaning, the more you use a product like that the more you get proficient in its use. And you will learn what (it) needs are to not streak.

I use one similar called alumabrightner, from Napa. Once a year then I use SlickMist by Lucas when the boat comes out of the water at the ramp. That product keeps it looking great, like new all year.

[ba3darcher]

I also use slickmist stuff is great

[pitbully71]

By putting it back in the water...

[Peachgrower]

We use acid on our 18 wheeler tanks and wheels. The key is getting it off quickly. As soon as you see foam spray it off. If it begins to dry...even a little it will streak. Aluminum also needs to be wet when you spray acid products on it. Just some thoughts you might try.

[Nailbender8]

I used to used 3M Aluminum Boat Hull polish when I had my old Tracker. Worked great. After the polish, I would use Turtle Wax paste polish and it would last all year.

[vandamit]

all good info so far. I was thinking of trying this aluminex again perhaps and then getting an electric buffer and going back over it with the 3M stuff.

[BDPIL]

Looks good. But with anything, practice makes perfect. Meaning, the more you use a product like that the more you get proficient in its use. And you will learn what (it) needs are to not streak.

I use one similar called alumabrightner, from Napa. Once a year then I use SlickMist by Lucas when the boat comes out of the water at the ramp. That product keeps it looking great, like new all year.

Could you post a picture of the container it is in? Tried looking for it but couldnt find it. I need to get mine cleaned up.

[smalljawer]

Brillo Pad................................

[gatorglenn]

Could you post a picture of the container it is in? Tried looking for it but couldnt find it. I need to get mine cleaned up.

Only place I find this one is at Napa . I put 50-50 water and this product in a spray bottle. Wet the boat down while it’s still wet spring it on evenly and less mentioned above once it starts to foam spray off with water that will prevent streaking.

[Peachgrower]

What glenn said. We Use That But It's concentrated and in a 55 gallon drum.

[BDPIL]

Only place I find this one is at Napa . I put 50-50 water and this product in a spray bottle. Wet the boat down while it’s still wet spring it on evenly and less mentioned above once it starts to foam spray off with water that will prevent streaking.

Thanks Glenn will get some and try it out.

[rocket man]

Spray from bottom up to eliminate streaks.

[gatorglenn]

Spray from bottom up to eliminate streaks.

Yep good point

[TritonTRXV8]

Spray from bottom up to eliminate streaks.

This is important.

[TritonTRXV8]

My boat has a natural tarnish to it never cleaned or polished the aluminum. The hull bottom looks black now from the water here. I have always just used slick mist on the painted areas every trip and hand wax once a year. Boat still looks pretty good for 10 years old. After the busy season we wash and brush the hull bottom.

[vandamit]

My boat has a natural tarnish to it never cleaned or polished the aluminum. The hull bottom looks black now from the water here. I have always just used slick mist on the painted areas every trip and hand wax once a year. Boat still looks pretty good for 10 years old. After the busy season we wash and brush the hull bottom.

this is probably what I should do, 2 weeks a year when we are on vacation it sets on a dock for 9 days and then another 6 or 8 days a year its on a dock and when I pull it out after the trips it's the same way again. guess I get excited to try and make it shinny and pretty but that goes away after one of those trips :)

[TritonTRXV8]

Its amazing how dirty the water is alot of lakes. Clearlake leaves a nice green ring in the hot months but when the bite is good i can live with it.

[Lape0019]

Did it once and vowed never again.

Mothers aluminum polish with a buffing pad. Took 3 days and 4-5 hours each day to get it where I wanted it. It looked great for about a year. Still looks good right now but I sold it and it’s now someone else’s problem.

Now... I went fibreglass and it takes 2-3 hours to clean that so I didn’t win any competitions since I wash it at least once a week... lol